United League

The United League existed in England from 1896 to 1902 and again from 1905 to 1909.

The League was created in 1896 to provide clubs which played in other leagues in southern or central England with an additional midweek game. Over several years, various clubs joined or left the League but by 1899, departures left the League struggling, culminating in the cessation of the league in 1902.

The founder members were Arsenal and Loughborough from the Football League, Luton, Millwall and Tottenham from the Southern League, and Kettering, Rushden and Wellingborough from the Midland League. Reading joined the League for its third season, 1898-99, finishing in sixth place. They then joined a general exodus of the Southern teams, leaving the United League with a rump of Midlands teams. A number of new teams were recruited, including the recently formed Northampton Town, and the less notable Desborough Unity and Finedon Revellers. The League struggled on in this form for three seasons, before being suspended in 1902.

The League was re-formed in 1905 solely as a secondary competition for Southern League teams, although membership soon dwindled. A Northern Section was formed in 1908, with the Southern champions, New Brompton (later to become Gillingham), beating the Northern champions, Rotherham Town (later to merge with Rotherham County to form Rotherham United), 4-1 in a play-off. However, this was the final curtain and the League folded.

Winners and Runners-Up

Loughborough were the only Leicestershire club to enter the United League. They finished 4^th in the competition’s inaugural season (1896-97) and last (9^th from 9) in their second and final United League campaign (1897-8).